Latest News

Rikuzentakata monument built around 'miracle-pine'

A monument built around a pine tree which survived Japan's 2011 earthquake and tsunami has been unveiled in the city of Rikuzentakata.

Despite being the only tree which endured the natural disaster, the so-called miracle pine later died as the soil in which it stood became too rich in saline after being drenched in salt water.

A carbon fibre pole has been drilled into the centre of the tree so that it can form part of the monument.

Rikuzentakata will hold an official ceremony on March 22nd to mark the completion of the work.

Despite the town based in the Iwate Prefecture being devastated by the natural disaster, there are a number of stories of hope arising from the chaos.

The Japan Times reported on the case of Yagisawa Shoten whose soy sauce business was forced to stop production after the company's warehouse was destroyed by the tsunami.

Michihiro Kono, president of the company, decided to keep the business alive by hiring graduates to work at temporary office space just one month after the event.

"If I had dismissed our workers and cancelled our offers to graduates, people would have started leaving Rikuzentakata in droves. It was time for us to repay the debt of gratitude to the people here," he said.

He suggested that by keeping the enterprise going, he was giving hope to the town's citizens at a time when they had little.

"We had to take on the challenge and bring a breath of fresh air to the city during those dark days," he explained.

In February 2013, prime minister Shinzo Abe showed his support for the residents of Rikuzentakata by visiting a memorial for those killed in the disaster.

During his visit, Mr Abe reassured residents that "the government is making all-out efforts to achieve early reconstruction and to help affected people return to the lives they had before the disaster".

Make an Enquiry

You can contact us using the form below. We would also love to chat about your travel plans on the phone so why not give our local office a call.

303 952 0379

* required details

Your Enquiry

When are you looking to travel*

What style of trip are you interested in?*

How many people are looking to travel?*

Your message*

We don't believe in a one size fits all approach so be sure to provide us with plenty of information here and it will really help us start thinking about some awesome ideas for your personalised trip. If you have seen anything on the site which really inspires you such as a particular itinerary, Group Tour or some of our fabulous experiences be sure to let us know.

Where did you hear about InsideJapan Tours?*

Please selectIf Other please give details belowInsideJapan Tours is part of InsideAsia Tours. If you don't want to receive emails or other marketing from InsideAsia Tours about Japan or any of our other destinations, please check the box.